Title: Temporary Hourly: Biology Lab Assistant

Position Type: Temp Hourly

College: Pikes Peak State College

Location: Colorado Springs

Salary Range: $17.25

Who We Are:

Pikes Peak State College is the largest and most diverse college in the Pikes Peak region, serving students with a wide range of goals, experiences, and responsibilities. Our students include recent high school graduates, working adults, military-affiliated students, parents, first-generation students, career changers, transfer students, and lifelong learners.
Our mission is to provide high-quality educational opportunities to all, with a focus on student success and community needs. We fulfill that mission by creating affordable, flexible, and accessible pathways that help students transfer to four-year institutions, enter the workforce, advance their careers, and build better futures close to home.

As the needs of our students, employers, and communities continue to evolve, so do we. PPSC embraces innovation that is human-centered, ethical, and focused on student learning. Through strong workforce partnerships and the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, we prepare students not only for today's opportunities, but for what's next.

We're looking for people who are passionate about access, collaboration, innovation, and student success. Whether you work in the classroom or behind the scenes, your contributions help create opportunities that change lives.

At PPSC, our vision is simple: Students Succeed at PPSC.

Job Summary:

This part-time lab assistant position will help support an NSF grant focused on delivering CRISPR as a course based undergraduate research experience (CURE) to the community college classroom.

$17.25 per hour up to 400 hours over the course of a calendar year. Project will end in September 2029. This is a grant funded position.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Troubleshoot procedures needed for the CURE including PCR, transformation of bacteria and yeast, plasmid preps, restriction digests and light microscopy. Preparation and maintenance of lab media, cells and plasmids. Maintenance of records of activities/survey data of participants in the grant. Attending all required meetings throughout the grant period including a one week workshop each June at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs campus.

Competencies/KSAs:

Assist the principle investigator with project logistics, which includes laboratory preparations, creating and updating protocols related to the CURE. Assist faculty participants in the CURE with implementation in their classrooms and further troubleshooting of lab activities as needed. Interest in genetics and a career in science. Understanding of laboratory best practices. Strong organizational skills and ability to work with others required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must be a current or past Pikes Peak State College student who has received at least a C in BIO1111 or an equivalent course at a different college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:

Course work in genetics or equivalent. Familiarity with genetic cloning and its application in CRISPR.

Selection Process:

Applications are accepted until position is filled. This is a temporary part-time hourly position, not to exceed 28 hours per week.

Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.

Visa support is not available for this position.

Application Instructions: 

Application must be submitted online.  Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration.  A complete application will include:

Cover letter - Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.

Resume - Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities. 
 
Unofficial Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred.  Official transcripts are required if hired for the position.  

Professional References - Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position

Additional Information/Benefits:

Retirement

Pikes Peak State College participates in Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA)  contribution rates. State employees are required to a mandatory contribution of a percentage of their salary to the plan, and the college contributes a percentage as well. While you are enrolled in PERA, you do not pay Social Security. In addition, there are supplemental retirement plans available through three other vendors.

Leave Programs

Temporary hourly employees earn one hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked.

Temporary hourly employees are eligible for the Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI).